Executive functioning is the collection of cognitive processes and mental abilities that assist a person’s ability to plan, monitor, and effectively complete their objectives. The “executive functions” include inhibition, problem-solving, working memory, and inhibition. The brain’s prefrontal cortex is the origin of many of these abilities.

Understanding Executive Function

Humans engage in many behaviors that happen involuntarily or unconsciously, such as breathing and moving out of the path of an approaching automobile. But, many behaviors depend on executive function. Executive function is used to some extent in every activity or pursuit of a goal that involves time management, judgment, and memory.   Disruptions to executive function may make it difficult for someone to perform in school, at work, or in the household since much of contemporary life is process-driven and requires that people set and accomplish objectives.

What are the different executive functions?

According to many experts, seven distinct executive functions exist in the human mind. These include inhibition, self-awareness, nonverbal working memory (short-term memory connected to sensory and spatial information), verbal working memory (short-term memory related to speech and language), emotional control, motivational regulation, planning, and problem-solving.

Does intelligence have a relationship with executive function?

According to studies, executive functioning and general intelligence scores often coincide; some researchers have even hypothesized that executive functioning may be a stronger predictor of success than IQ across a broad range of fields. Executive function is just one aspect of intelligence; some people with high IQs can struggle with it.

How much time does it take for the executive functions to develop completely?

In the first year of a child’s existence, the executive functions begin to emerge; in the primary school years, they develop rapidly. Most people will typically keep growing throughout their mid-20s or even early 30s. Executive functioning problems in childhood and adolescence may be remedied by the time people reach adulthood.

Obstacles to Executive Function

An individual with poor executive functioning will probably have problems beginning or completing activities, carrying out various parts of a project sequentially, and maintaining their possessions’ organized. Decision-making may be difficult, and they may regularly misplace crucial things.

Issues with impulse control or emotional regulation are less visible symptoms of executive functioning problems. Because both behavioral and emotional inhibition is essential components of executive functioning, a person with poor executive functioning may sometimes behave impulsively and come off as being too emotional.

Executive dysfunction, also known as executive function disorder (EFD), may have symptoms that resemble attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some experts believe that ADHD is a kind of executive dysfunction. Along with other symptoms like hyperactivity and distractibility, people with ADHD—especially children—typically suffer from one or more executive functions.

Executive function disorder (EFD): what is it?

Planning, problem-solving, or other executive function-related tasks are a considerable challenge for a kid or adult with “executive function disorder,” or EFD. While executive function-related symptoms appear in other DSM disorders, executive function disorder (EFD) is not presently an official diagnosis in the DSM-5.

What leads to ineffective executive function?

The cause of Ineffective executive functioning is sometimes unclear. The etiology is most likely a mix of genetics, prenatal alcohol or drug exposure, early childhood trauma, or other circumstances similar to other developmental difficulties like ADHD. Sometimes there is no apparent reason.

What are the apparent indications of poor executive function?

A person with executive functioning issues will have a more challenging time than others in their age group remembering information, planning and carrying out tasks, keeping things organized, and staying motivated. They could also have trouble controlling their emotions, impulses, or concentration.

Do executive function disorder (EFD) and ADHD have the same symptoms?

No, even though many experts think the two are linked. The primary symptoms of ADHD—hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractibility—are not solely connected to executive functioning, even though many people with ADHD may struggle with one or more executive functions. Furthermore, developmental and mood problems like autism or depression may co-occur with executive function disorders.

Is it possible to simultaneously have executive function disorder (EFD) and ADHD?

EFD, also known as executive function disorder, is not an official diagnosis. But it’s possible—and indeed highly likely—that someone with ADHD will also have significant difficulties with executive functioning.

Why is my kid so disorganized?

ADHD, disobedience, or lack of interest in neatness may all lead children to be disorganized. However, some kids with organizational needs who struggle could have poor executive functioning. The motivation, problem-solving, and planning skills necessary for keeping organized may be challenging for these kids.

How to Boost Executive Function

Children and adults may benefit from planning, problem-solving, organization, and execution skills in many different areas of life. Therefore, parents and adults are often interested in enhancing these abilities. Some people who suffer from executive function difficulties may benefit from modifications at work or school and techniques targeted at particular areas of difficulty.

However, it’s crucial to remember that the development of executive function is one of the slower mental processes. As a result, many kids with executive function issues may discover that their abilities catch up gradually over time and continue to develop well into adulthood.

Is it feasible to enhance executive function?

Yes. Most kids and teenagers who are less proficient in executive function than their classmates will catch up by reaching adulthood, especially if given specific strategies. Adults may experience slower improvement, but they may still develop their executive functions by adopting targeted tactics and accommodations.

What techniques may improve executive function?

Breaking an enormous task into smaller ones, externalizing information using to-do lists, notepads, or phone reminders, buddying up with a peer to foster accountability, preventing access to distractions (putting one’s phone in a drawer or blocking tempting websites), and using rewards to encourage periods of sustained effort are all strategies for enhancing executive function.

My kid has trouble remembering and planning assignments. How can I aid in her development?

Writing down activities and responsibilities—and so externalizing them—proves beneficial for many kids who struggle to keep track of them. Parents may assist their child, sometimes in collaboration with the instructor, in developing a regular schedule for noting tasks, organizing the steps to complete them, and rewarding themselves when successful.

Can mature learners improve their executive function abilities?

Yes. Adults should consider the executive functions they want to improve when choosing a technique such as planning, problem-solving, working memory, or emotional control. For instance, adults who battle with motivation create a system of rewards for accomplishments. At the same time, those having trouble with impulse control can set up regular routines to help with inhibition.